How I Chose My First Post-Grad Job

I spent the last semester of college searching for the perfect post-grad career opportunity. I scoured job boards and search engines.  I wrote about the great online job hunt. I read countless blog posts about resume tips and interview questions. I expanded my social network and got advice from professionals in the field.

In the last week of being offer-less, selectivity was out the door and desperation sunk in. But in three business days, three offers were made and I found myself in an interesting situation.

I had a decision to make, and a lot of things factored in. For me these included:

• Money.
• Location.
• Company culture.
• Position responsibilities.
• Growth opportunities.
• Gut feeling.

In a post giving advice to recent graduates, Monica O’Brien wrote “Realistically, you will probably leave your first job within two years anyway, so stop trying to find a cool one and go for the one that gives you the most valuable package of salary + benefits.”

Despite absorbing the wisdom of professionals in the blogosphere, the decsion-making process was personal. I ended up choosing the position with the lowest pay, but the most potential for growth. I chose corporate culture I saw myself happiest with.

When it came down to it, making my decision was an adventure in dating. I had to convince myself to like Bachelor One, the most concrete offer. I could see myself happy with Bachelor Two and I was sad to turn the offer down. I knew there was a bigger and better fish in the sea. So, I went out on a limb with Bachelor Three – at the time it meant closing the door on the two more tangible possibilities. But, it was the perfect fit – thoroughly in sync with my wants and needs and sure to be both challenging and fulfilling.

This time around, the courtship of an adoring boy or professional organization simply came down to following my heart.

-Rachel